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Industrial Growth Partners Acquires Process Insights

Written by Terri Melle-Johnson on . Posted in Process Insights. No Comments on Industrial Growth Partners Acquires Process Insights

Industrial Growth Partners Acquires Process Insights


INDUSTRIAL GROWTH PARTNERS ACQUIRES PROCESS INSIGHTS

San Francisco, CA – Industrial Growth Partners (“IGP”), in partnership with management, has acquired Process Insights, Inc. (“Process Insights” or the “Company”) from Union Park Capital.

With global operations across North America, Europe and Asia, Process Insights designs and manufactures analytical instrumentation used to provide compositional analysis and measure contaminants within gases and liquids in demanding and high cost-of-failure applications. The Company provides a broad portfolio of analytical technologies for in-line, on-line and at-line testing, including optical spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy, chilled mirror / hygrometry and electrochemical technologies. Process Insights’ products provide real-time, tight-tolerance speciation and analysis, enabling its customers to enhance process efficiency, ensure safety and maintain environmental and regulatory compliance. Process Insights’ products serve a broad range of end markets including semiconductor, renewable / alternative energy, life sciences, chemical, environmental monitoring, agriculture, food & beverage, general industrial, labs & research, and water & wastewater.

“We are excited to partner with IGP and leverage their resources for strategic and operational support as we embark on our next phase of growth,” commented Monte Hammouri, CEO of Process Insights. “IGP’s decades of industrial sector expertise, and specifically its track record with test & measurement businesses, stood out to the full management team as a true differentiator. We are confident that with IGP’s support, we will continue to grow Process Insights into a global leader of process instrumentation.”

Acquisition Details. On July 18, 2023, Industrial Growth Partners VI, L.P., in partnership with management and certain other co-investors, acquired Process Insights, marking the fourth platform investment for IGP’s sixth fund. The transaction creates a platform for Process Insights to accelerate its growth by aggressively pursuing its strategic initiatives, including pursuing additional add-on acquisitions. The acquisition of Process Insights is an ideal fit with IGP’s strategy of investing in niche industrial companies with leading market positions, significant growth opportunities and outstanding management teams. To learn more about Process Insights, please visit www.process-insights.com.

William Blair & Company, LLC served as the exclusive financial advisor to IGP in connection with the transaction.

Industrial Growth Partners, founded in 1997, is a San Francisco-based specialist private investment partnership investing exclusively in middle-market companies in the industrial sector in partnership with management teams.

For more information, please contact John Malloy, Jeff Webb or Sam Adler.

(415) 882-4550

www.igpequity.com

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Oxygen Deficiency Monitor for Your Application

Written by Terri Melle-Johnson on . Posted in Alpha Omega Instruments, Process Insights. No Comments on Oxygen Deficiency Monitor for Your Application

When selecting an oxygen analyzer for your critical process application, consider factors like sensor type, maintenance, and calibration needs. Different oxygen sensors are suited for specific applications, so choose one based on the requirements of your process.

Oxygen Sensor Types:

  • Ambient Temperature Electrochemical Sensors: Known for accuracy in both trace and percent oxygen measurements, these sensors have extended life but are vulnerable to damage from acid gases and over-pressurization.
  • Paramagnetic Sensors: Offering precise measurements across 1%-100% oxygen, these sensors work by detecting the magnetic properties of oxygen. However, they are delicate, sensitive to vibration, and not suitable for trace oxygen measurements.
  • Polarographic Sensors: Ideal for dissolved oxygen in liquids, these sensors are suited for percent oxygen measurements in gases. They have low maintenance requirements but are prone to frequent sensor replacements.
  • Zirconium Oxide Sensors: Operating at high temperatures (650°C), these sensors are ideal for combustion control applications. They can measure a wide range of oxygen concentrations but are unsuitable for trace oxygen measurements when reducing gases are present.

Each sensor type has its strengths and limitations, so assess your process needs carefully before choosing the right oxygen analyzer.

Compare Oxygen Deficiency Monitors

Written by Terri Melle-Johnson on . Posted in Alpha Omega Instruments, Process Insights. No Comments on Compare Oxygen Deficiency Monitors

Not all oxygen deficiency monitors are the same. Like automobiles or cell phones, they vary in quality and performance.

Many monitors use “fuel cell” oxygen sensors, which typically need replacement every 10-14 months. However, as these sensors age, their electrical output decreases, mimicking a low oxygen signal. This can lead to false alarms, which, when ignored, can create dangerous situations. Personnel may dismiss alarms as false, potentially missing real low-oxygen events. This frustration may even lead to disabling alarms, increasing risk.

Zirconium oxide-based monitors often claim to be calibration-free for over 10 years, but these claims are misleading. One major supplier of zirconium oxide sensors makes no such claims. Closer inspection of the user manuals reveals that these sensors require periodic adjustments and calibration. Experts agree that gas monitors need occasional checks to ensure accurate readings and protect personnel. The stakes are high, and cutting corners can be dangerous.

CAPABILITIES
Series 1300 Oxygen
Deficiency Monitor
Fuel Cell Oxygen Monitor
High Temperature (450 °C) Zirconium Oxide Oxygen Monitor
Three-year warranty on both the electronics and      sensor

YES

NO – Typically one year

NO – Typically two years
Accepts up to 3 oxygen sensors with one set of electronics drastically reducing the per point monitoring costs

 

YES

NO

NO
Built-In data logger standard

YES

NO

Limited Availability
Easy field replacement of the oxygen sensor

YES

YES

NO – Both sensor and mating electronics need replacement – an expensive repair
Built in alarm relay contacts

YES (4 Standard)

Some at extra charge

Often an extra charge
Can be affected by changes in ambient air now caused by HVAC / air handling systems

NO

NO

YES – Changes in airflow may sufficiently cool the high temperature sensor producing erroneous oxygen readings.
Can be used in the presence of combustible gases, refrigerant gases, other reducing gases

YES

YES

NO
Long-life oxygen sensor

YES

NO

Can fail prematurely from heat fatigue

Know the Difference Between Oxygen Monitor Sensors

Written by Terri Melle-Johnson on . Posted in Alpha Omega Instruments, Process Insights. No Comments on Know the Difference Between Oxygen Monitor Sensors

KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OXYGEN MONITOR SENSORS

Do you know the difference between oxygen monitor sensors?  Oxygen analyzers use one of a several types of oxygen sensors.   As industrial process applications call for improved measurement accuracy and repeatability, users are demanding analyzers that require a minimum of maintenance and calibration.   There is no one universal oxygen sensor type.

AMBIENT TEMPERATURE ELECTROCHEMICAL SENSOR

  • Often referred to as a galvanic sensor, is typically a small, partially sealed, cylindrical device (1-1/4” diameter by 0.75” height) that contains two dissimilar electrodes immersed in an aqueous electrolyte, commonly potassium hydroxide.
  • Refinements in electrode materials, and enhanced electrolyte formulations, the galvanic oxygen sensor provides extended life over earlier versions and are recognized for their accuracy in both the percent and traces oxygen ranges.
  • Response times have also been improved.
  • They are easy to damage when used with samples containing acid gas species such as hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen chloride, sulfur dioxide, etc.

PARAMAGNETIC OXYGEN SENSORS

  • This is the magnetodynamic or `dumbbell’ type of design and is the predominate sensor type.
  • The paramagnetic oxygen sensor consists of a cylindrical shaped container inside of which is placed a small glass dumbbell.  The dumbbell is filled with an inert gas such as nitrogen and suspended on a taut platinum wire within a non-uniform magnetic field.
  • A precision optical system consisting of a light source, photodiode, and amplifier circuit is used to measure the degree of rotation of the dumbbell.
  • Some paramagnetic oxygen sensor designs, have an opposing current is applied to restore the dumbbell to its normal position.
  • In general, paramagnetic oxygen sensors offer very good response time characteristics and use no consumable parts, making sensor life, under normal conditions, quite good.
  • Offers excellent precision over a range of 1% to 100% oxygen.
  • They are quite delicate and sensitive to vibration and/or position.
  • Due to the loss in measurement sensitivity, in general, the paramagnetic oxygen sensor is not recommended for trace oxygen measurements.

POLAROGRAPHIC OXYGEN SENSORS

  • Often referred to as a Clark Cell [J. L. Clark (1822- 1898)].
  • This sensor, both the anode (typically silver) and cathode (typically gold) are immersed in an aqueous electrolyte of potassium chloride.
  • The electrodes are separated from the sample by a semi-permeable membrane that provides the mechanism to diffuse oxygen into the sensor.
  • The current output generated from the sensor is measured and amplified electronically to provide a percent oxygen measurement.
  • An advantage of the polarographic oxygen sensor is that while inoperative, there is no consumption of the electrode (anode).
  • Storage times are almost indefinite. Similar to the galvanic oxygen sensor, they are not position sensitive.
  • One major advantage of this sensor type is its ability to measure parts per billion levels of oxygen.
  • The sensors are position sensitive and replacement costs are quite expensive, in some cases, paralleling that of an entire analyzer of another sensor type.
  • Not recommended for applications where oxygen concentrations exceed 25%.

ZIRCONIUM OXIDE OXYGEN SENSORS

  • This sensor is referred to as the “high temperature” electrochemical sensor and is based on the Nernst principle [W. H. Nernst (1864-1941)].
  • Zirconium oxide sensors use a solid-state electrolyte typically fabricated from zirconium oxide stabilized with yttrium oxide. The zirconium oxide probe is plated on opposing sides with platinum which serves as the sensor electrodes.
  • The zirconium oxide oxygen sensor has excellent response time characteristics.
  • The same sensor can be used to measure 100% oxygen, as well as parts per billion concentrations.
  • Due to the high temperatures of operation, the life of the sensor can be shortened by on/off operation.
  • A major limitation is their unsuitability for trace oxygen measurements when reducing gases (hydrocarbons of any species, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide) are present in the sample gas. At operating temperatures of 650 degrees Centigrade, the reducing gases will react with the oxygen, consuming it prior to measurement thus producing a lower than actual oxygen reading.
  • The magnitude of the error is proportional to the concentration of reducing gas.
  • Zirconium oxide oxygen sensors are the “defacto standard” for in-situ combustion control applications.

Explore our range of oxygen safety and deficiency monitors.

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Welcome Alpha Omega Instruments

Written by Benjamin Mattejiet on . Posted in Process Insights. No Comments on Welcome Alpha Omega Instruments

Welcome Alpha Omega

PROCESS INSIGHTS ANNOUNCES THE ACQUISITION OF
ALPHA OMEGA INSTRUMENTS

BOSTON, MA – December 8, 2017.   Union Park Capital, a Boston based private equity firm focused on lower middle-market industrial technology investments, today announced the acquisition of Alpha Omega Instruments (“AOI”), based in Lincoln, RI.  The business manufactures process measurement and control instrumentation primarily, trace and percent oxygen analyzers and transmitters.  AOI will operate as an independent operating entity under Union Park’s Process Insights Holdings platform.  Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
 
“We’ve known Richard and his business for some time,” said Morgan Jones, Managing Partner of Union Park Capital.  “After watching from the sidelines with admiration for many years, we are truly excited about adding AOI to our family of companies.  We believe it is an excellent fit with our process analytics platform and the addition of oxygen analysis to our product offering will enable us to better serve our global customer base.”
 
“The Union Park Capital team is keeping my employees in place and providing them the tools, resources and capital to grow the business,” said Richard Buonauito, Founder and President of AOI.  “I’ve built a relationship on trust over many years with Morgan and his team.  Working with them was a pleasure, and I am confident that this transaction represents the ideal outcome for both customers and employees.”
 
In keeping with Union Park’s historical business practice, AOI will remain in Lincoln, RI.  “We will continue to build upon the Alpha Omega Instrument brand that Richard and his team have created over the last 25 years.” Morgan continued.
 
About Alpha Omega Instruments  
Founded in 1990 by Richard Buonauito and Stanley Hayes, Alpha Omega Instruments manufacturers and designs solutions for process measurement and analysis.  The product portfolio consists of trace and percent oxygen analyzers and transmitters, safety monitors (oxygen deficiency and carbon dioxide) carbon dioxide analyzers, and moisture monitors. They are used by industrial, government, and educational institutions around the world for process optimization and safety applications.  For more information visit www.aoi-corp.com.
 
About Union Park Capital
Union Park Capital is a private equity firm solely focused on lower middle-market industrial technology companies.   Union Park takes a long-term perspective to help stakeholders build value over time, and drives value creation through profitably growing a business, not financial engineering.   Union Park Capital is based in Boston, MA and has extensive investments and expertise in the analytical instrumentation sector.  For more information, visit www.union-park.com.

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